The wait is over.

New Zealand Rugby has appointed Dave Rennie as All Blacks head coach through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

NZR said Rennie is of Cook Islands descent through his mother from Titikaveka, Rarotonga, and is the first All Blacks head coach with Pasifika heritage.

Chair David Kirk said Rennie has a proven track record as a successful head coach.

“On behalf of the Board, I’d like to congratulate Dave on his appointment as All Blacks Head Coach. He is a world-class coach who has consistently shown he can build strong performance environments and win.

“Dave understands what it means to coach the All Blacks and play a style of rugby that reflects who we are as New Zealanders. He has a deep understanding of rugby in New Zealand and the role the All Blacks play in shaping our national identity and bringing communities together.”

Rennie said it was a privilege to be appointed head coach.

“Coaching the All Blacks is an incredible honour. I’m extremely proud to have been entrusted with this role and understand the expectations that come with it.

“I’m really clear on the way I want the All Blacks to play and I look forward to working with the players, management team, and the rugby community. We have a lot of talent here and we will be working extremely hard to make the country proud.”

NZR said Rennie will honour his commitments with the Kobelco Kobe Steelers in Japan until the Japan Rugby League One competition ends.

He will then return to New Zealand to prepare the All Blacks for the July home series against France, Italy and Ireland.

A live “Meet the Head Coach” interview is scheduled for 2pm today on the All Blacks YouTube channel.

NZR said it will confirm the wider All Blacks coaching and management team in the coming weeks.

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